Photograph by David Kelly

We recently caught up with Josh Lopez from Emporium Hotels, who kindly gave us an exclusive interview ahead of starting as Executive Chef:

What are your specialities as a chef?

My goal is to cook delicious food which has been inspired by my life journey and reflective of my surroundings. It is important to serve local, ethically sourced ingredients which have a story and are nuanced by seasonal Australian bush foods. This has allowed me to expand my kitchen pantry and create a unique cuisine to South East Queensland.

How did you get interested in cooking?

I grew up in a household where the dining table was the heart of the home. Every night mum would serve up deliciousness and the family would connect and have a laugh. During my gap year, it was the capacity to travel around the world which I found very enticing. Very quickly, however, the camaraderie of the kitchen and the high-intensity environment was what changed my interest and helped me make it my career choice.

What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?

At home, I certainly eat far more simply than a two-hatted multi-course meal. Often a vegetable-centric plate of food brings great comfort. I do like making my gnocchi recipe which feels like restaurant quality meal in minutes when made in advance. I could either finish it with a simple mixed mushroom and pesto sauce or just as easily with pancetta, tomato and parmesan.

Photograph by David Kelly

Do you have any predictions for new food trends?

I am excited to see a lot more restaurants serving more vegetarian and vegan foods. Farmers and growers are seeing value in lower impact food production with companion growing in turn with delicious results.

What is your food pet peeves?

I am still perplexed that native bush foods are not a staple in supermarkets. It is true that many ingredients have a shorter shelf life than their European and Asian cousins. However, if we don’t make an effort to eat these and understand their flavour and history we could lose them which would be a major shame.

Do you have any favourite cookware or cookbooks?

I believe with a good knife, blender and frying pan you can make the most exquisite meals – they are my kitchen fundamentals.

Two of my favourite cookbooks are ‘The Cooks Companion’ by Stephanie Alexander, to me it is a national literacy treasure and ‘Eleven Madison Park: The Cookbook’ by Daniel Humm and Will Guidara – which is currently the world’s best restaurant. They released this book in 2011 and I still refer to it today.

Photograph by David Kelly

What’s your most memorable cooking experience?

In November 2014, I had a life-changing experience where I served 36 of the world’s leaders during the G20 Summit in Brisbane at the Queensland Art Gallery, with a guest list that included POTUS Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin. Serving them a taste of Queensland across three courses was a privilege.

Who or what inspires you?

Like many people, I have an inner desire to improve and better myself every day either personally or professionally and I know that I am capable of improving my cuisine. Inspiration can come from many places – often art, historical references and of course through reading cookbooks, I find it important to combine cutting-edge technique and progressive thinking without losing perspective that it has to be delicious and hold the integrity of flavour.

Do you have any plans for the next 12 months?

I believe 2018 will be a transformative year of culinary career, as Executive Chef of the Anthony John Group and leading the kitchens at the Emporium Hotel Southpoint I cannot wait to lead a team of chefs that desire to be a part of one of Australia’s leading hotels.

Photograph by David Kelly

About Emporium Hotel Southpoint

Sister to Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley, Australia’s most awarded boutique luxury hotel, Emporium Hotel Southpoint will open in mid-2018, and feature 143 luxuriously appointed suites, Belle Époque Patisserie, restaurant and Sky Bar, overlooking the spectacular 23m infinity edge pool with views to Brisbane’s CBD and beyond. Located in the same tower as the Hotel are 217 premium residential apartments, with owners enjoying exclusive access to Emporium’s services. For more information, visit the Emporium Hotels website.